Book Review: The Hiking Trip by Jenny Blackhurst
When I first stumbled across The Hiking Trip by Jenny Blackhurst, I was immediately drawn in by the sharp and intriguing premise: a hiking adventure that spirals into a mystery wrapped in a shroud of suspense. The nostalgia of a ’90s-era thriller paired with a promise of dark humor makes it a tantalizing reading prospect. Having enjoyed her previous works, I was keen to see how Blackhurst would weave her magic once again. Thank you, Canelo and NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review—because you know my reviews are always straightforward!
Set against a backdrop that flirts with both adventure and danger, The Hiking Trip opens in 1999 with Maisie’s excursion into the wilds of Vancouver, which, tragically, culminates in murder. Fast forward 25 years, and we meet Laura, who’s just learned that remains have been unearthed. Cue feelings of panic and a quest for truth. The narrative kicks off with a tension that’s palpable, swiftly introducing us to high-stakes situations without the fluff of unnecessary details.
What’s delightful about Blackhurst’s stories is her knack for relatable, self-aware protagonists. Laura is sharp-witted and humorous, often cracking jokes about her own rash decisions, like dashingly venturing into abandoned warehouses as if she were Lara Croft herself. This satirical approach is refreshing and much more agreeable than the oh-so-serious characters typically found in the genre. It’s as if she’s winking at the reader, inviting us to chuckle alongside her rather than pulling us into a weighty existential crisis. No heavy-handed metaphors here—just straightforward, accessible writing that keeps the plot moving at a brisk pace.
And speaking of pacing, Blackhurst doesn’t leave us hanging in slow-motion buildup. Within the first ten minutes, we’re thrown into the mix of conflict and drama. There’s a delightful avoidance of clichés that often plague thrillers—like the classic question of why the good guys don’t just call the police. In fact, Laura takes a proactive approach, installing security cameras to fend off potential threats. How refreshing!
Now, I have to mention that while the twists are engaging, I clocked the big reveal early on. But let’s face it—I don’t read popcorn thrillers for soul-crushing plot twists; I read them for the sheer enjoyment and escapism. The writing is straightforward, the characters are engaging, and the plot is consistently entertaining.
However, the ending took a strange turn. Picture the campy resolutions of a Scooby-Doo episode, and you’re halfway there. It felt a tad out of place, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it was meant to evoke laughter. The mix of serious stakes with a finale that might elicit giggles is a strange blend, but it adds a unique flavor to the reading experience!
In summary, The Hiking Trip is your Honda Civic reliable popcorn thriller. It delivers a solid plot with dark humor and endearing characters, making it an enjoyable read for fans of authors like Shalini Boland and Samantha Hayes. If you’re in the mood for a book that piques your curiosity and offers a few giggles along the way, I’d say give it a whirl, gwurl!
Overall, while it might not hit all the notes perfectly, it certainly provides an entertaining ride, and isn’t that what we’re all looking for? Happy reading!
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